CLAIMING WHATS MINE

The pediatrician’s office was warm and soft-lit, with faded animal murals on the walls and the occasional baby cry echoing from one of the rooms down the hall.

Beauty sat in the waiting area, gently bouncing Goddess in her arms. Wrapped in lavender with cheeks full and eyes alert, the baby was quiet, curious—already taking in the world.

Dave sat next to them, close. One hand resting on the car seat, the other on his thigh, foot tapping out a slow rhythm. He didn’t say much—but he didn’t need to. He’d been there. Through every ultrasound. Every craving. Every mood swing. The late-night pharmacy runs. The hospital. The labor.

He didn’t miss anything.

“You nervous?” Beauty asked, watching the front desk call another family back.

Dave shrugged. “Only about the part where they poke her with that little needle.”

Beauty smiled, shifting Goddess in her arms. “She’s tougher than she looks.”

Dave looked down at their daughter, his features softening. “Just like her moms.”

A nurse stepped out with a clipboard. “Goddess East?”

They both stood.

—

Inside the exam room, Dave held Goddess while Beauty unpacked her chart and supplies from the diaper bag. It was almost a routine now—Beauty moving with calm efficiency, Dave staying close, always one hand near their daughter’s back or leg, like he couldn’t help but keep contact.

When the doctor came in, she greeted them warmly. “Ah, the East family. Heard we got a strong one here.”

Dave chuckled. “She built different.”

The doctor went through the usual checks—weight, temperature, reflexes, feeding habits—and took notes while Beauty answered the questions. They both watched every move, every prod and check like they were studying a live feed.

When it was time for the shot, Beauty held her breath. Dave cradled the baby’s head, whispering, “You got it, mama. Quick little sting, then it’s done.”

Goddess let out a cry, sharp and instant, and Beauty’s heart clenched—but Dave didn’t flinch. He held her close, soothed her fast, his whole energy wrapped around their daughter like armor.

The doctor smiled. “Textbook healthy. Growing perfectly. Y’all are doing amazing.”

Beauty exhaled, tension releasing from her shoulders.

Back in the hallway, Dave held the baby while Beauty packed up the bag.

“You always act like you’re calm,” she said, glancing at him.

“I’m calm ‘cause I ain’t got time to panic,” Dave said, adjusting the strap on his shoulder. “That’s your job.”

She smirked. “You calling me dramatic?”

“I’m calling you passionate,” he said, low and honest. “But you don’t give yourself enough credit.”

They reached the car. Beauty opened the door and leaned on the frame for a second before buckling the baby in.

“You never backed off,” she said, voice quieter now. “Through everything. Even when we were... complicated.”

Dave didn’t look at her right away. He watched Goddess settle into her seat first, then turned to her.

“Complicated don’t change the fact she’s mine. And you... you always been my responsibility. Even when you ain’t want me.”

Beauty looked at him for a long second. Her walls didn’t crumble, but they cracked just enough.

“I see you,” she said.

Dave nodded once. “Good. I been right here.”

They got in the car together, silence riding between them—but not heavy. Not distant.

Beauty didn’t expect anything special when she woke up that morning. She had laundry to fold, emails to check, and diapers to restock. Just another day.

But Dave had other plans.

He showed up mid-morning with that same calm confidence he always carried—but this time, it came with a garment bag, a fresh bouquet of white tulips, and a bag from her favorite skincare store.

“What’s all this?” she asked, standing in the doorway with one eyebrow raised, baby on her hip.

“You got plans tonight,” he said, taking the baby from her with ease. “Or better yet, you don’t. I do.”

“Dave…”

“No arguing,” he said. “You always doing for everybody else. Tonight, we doing for you.”

He leaned in and kissed her forehead—slow, intentional.

“I already talked to Ari and Jade. They keeping Goddess. Kael’s with my mom. You got six hours to be selfish.”

Beauty blinked. “You coordinated all that?”

He smirked. “I pay attention.”

The afternoon passed like a dream. Beauty opened the skincare bag and found bath salts, body butter, a face mask, and a handwritten note that just said: You deserve softness too.

By five, she was in the tub, candle lit, hair wrapped, playlist vibing low. For the first time in what felt like forever, she breathed without rush.

At six-thirty, the garment bag revealed a soft, curve-hugging silk dress in her favorite color, paired with heels he somehow guessed in the exact right size.

By seven, she stepped out of the house glowing from the inside out.

Dave was waiting by the car. Dressed up. Fresh haircut. Cologne that hugged her senses the minute she got close.

He opened the door for her without a word, just a look that said everything.

Dinner was private. A rooftop spot he’d rented out for the night. Just them. Candles. Music. Good food. A view of the city lights that flickered like stars trying to impress her.

She sat across from him, fork in hand, a little stunned.

“I didn’t realize how bad I needed this,” she said.

“I did,” Dave said simply. “You always show up for everyone. I just wanted to show you I see you.”

Beauty looked at him, softer now.

“This don’t mean everything’s fixed,” she said.

“I know,” he said. “It just means I’m not done trying.”

And right there—no pressure, no expectations, no demands—just presence.

The kind that speaks louder than promises.